Patents by Inventor Thomas L. Michaels

Thomas L. Michaels has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10252856
    Abstract: Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Adam S. Fedenia, Wen Tang, Frank Garrett, Otakar Kudrna
  • Patent number: 9889239
    Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container configured to receive a disposable collection container. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner configured to collapse during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The system may include a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the receiving housing including a cavity and a piston assembly positioned within the cavity, the piston including a piston check valve. The system includes a suction source connectable to the disposable collection container and a filter positioned between the suction source and the cavity. A first connecting line extends between a suction source opening, configured to communicate the suction source to the disposable collection container, and the filter. A first check valve connects to the first connecting line between the suction source opening and the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russell A. Johnson, Eric D. Hill, Hetal Patel, Brian T. Leadingham
  • Patent number: 9770540
    Abstract: A collapsible liner for use in a canister of a medical fluid collection system is disclosed. The liner includes a flexible bag extending longitudinally between a top portion opposite a closed bottom portion, and at least one support element connected to the bag and disposed generally laterally relative to a length of the bag. When an interior of the bag is subjected to a vacuum, the at least one support element limits an extent of lateral collapse while permitting longitudinal collapse. The canister includes a second vacuum source port located remotely from the lid so as to subject a space between the collapsible liner and the canister to a second vacuum commensurate to the vacuum applied to the interior of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas L. Michaels
  • Patent number: 9604778
    Abstract: Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Adam S. Fedenia, Wen Tang, Frank Garrett, Otakar Kudrna
  • Patent number: 8651531
    Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of waste fluids includes a conduit system adapted to transport waste fluid from a receptacle to a sanitary sewer using an eductor having a venturi device. The conduit system includes first and second conduits. First and second connectors are used to connect the first conduit to the second conduit. The second connector includes a flap that acts as a check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Kenneth Horton, Jr., Shannon C. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20130345651
    Abstract: Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas L. MICHAELS, Russ A. JOHNSON, Adam S. FEDENIA, Wen TANG, Frank GARRETT, Otakar KUDRNA
  • Publication number: 20130341330
    Abstract: Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas L. MICHAELS, Russ A. JOHNSON, Adam S. FEDENIA, Wen TANG, Frank GARRETT, Otakar KUDRNA
  • Patent number: 8562577
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130247326
    Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container and a disposable collection container receiving housing, the housing having a cavity and a suction source. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner and a shelf for diverting fluid from the suction and to assist with a collapse of the liner during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston assembly having a main piston body and a scraper ring. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston stop feature. The system may include a partially hydrophobic filter and a flat surface suction tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas L. MICHAELS, Russell A. Johnson, Eric D. Hill
  • Patent number: 8500706
    Abstract: Various implementations of a fluid collection system having a flexible liner are disclosed. In one exemplary variation, the fluid collection system may include a container having a top opening, a lid configured to close the top opening, and a flexible liner attached to the lid. The liner may be interposed between the lid and the container when the lid closes the top opening. The liner and the lid may define a substantially sealed interior space therebetween. The lid may include an access port through which the interior space receives fluid. The flexible liner may also be configured to controllably collapse as the fluid is removed from the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Adam S. Fedenia, Wen Tang, Frank Garrett, Otakar Kudrna
  • Patent number: 8460256
    Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container and a disposable collection container receiving housing, the housing having a cavity and a suction source. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner and a shelf for diverting fluid from the suction and to assist with a collapse of the liner during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston assembly having a main piston body and a scraper ring. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston stop feature. The system may include a partially hydrophobic filter and a flat surface suction tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Eric D. Hill
  • Patent number: 8419697
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
  • Patent number: 8403900
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
  • Patent number: 8328778
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
  • Patent number: 8308704
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120181273
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
  • Patent number: 8172817
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Jeannie Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110313375
    Abstract: A collapsible liner for use in a canister of a medical fluid collection system is disclosed. The liner includes a flexible bag extending longitudinally between a top portion opposite a closed bottom portion, and at least one support element connected to the bag and disposed generally laterally relative to a length of the bag. When an interior of the bag is subjected to a vacuum, the at least one support element limits an extent of lateral collapse while permitting longitudinal collapse. The canister includes a second vacuum source port located remotely from the lid so as to subject a space between the collapsible liner and the canister to a second vacuum commensurate to the vacuum applied to the interior of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas L. Michaels
  • Patent number: 8025173
    Abstract: A collapsible liner for use in a canister of a medical fluid collection system is disclosed. The liner includes a flexible bag extending longitudinally between a top portion opposite a closed bottom portion, and at least one support element connected to the bag and disposed generally laterally relative to a length of the bag. When an interior of the bag is subjected to a vacuum, the at least one support element limits an extent of lateral collapse while permitting longitudinal collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas L. Michaels
  • Publication number: 20110178482
    Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container configured to receive a disposable collection container. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner configured to collapse during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The system may include a receiving housing sized to receive the disposable collection container, the receiving housing including a cavity and a piston assembly positioned within the cavity, the piston including a piston check valve. The system includes a suction source connectable to the disposable collection container and a filter positioned between the suction source and the cavity. A first connecting line extends between a suction source opening, configured to communicate the suction source to the disposable collection container, and the filter. A first check valve connects to the first connecting line between the suction source opening and the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: CARDINAL HEALTH, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas L. MICHAELS, Russell A. Johnson, Eric D. Hill, Hetal Patel